Penalties of Driving While Intoxicated
Each state has laws that define the crime of driving while intoxicated. That means every person caught driving with a Blood Alcohol Level above .08 is subject to arrest and suspension of their driver’s license. If you have an accident while you are drinking and driving, you will face more severe penalties. Each state has its laws when it comes to drinking and driving but there is no doubt if you are a repeat offender you will not only lose your license but also face jail time. Being convicted of driving while intoxicated will also result in a substantial increase in your insurance rates.
Do not think you will only be convicted of a DWI if your Blood Alcohol Level is above the legal .08 limit. If there is reason to believe you are intoxicated such as the smell of your breath, your actions and motor movements you can still be convicted of a DUI. In any case, you must have a lawyer in order to prevent a DUI conviction. You will need to go into court with your lawyer with enough supporting evidence to convince the court that you were not drinking and driving. It can be difficult to do, so you don’t want to event attempt to undertake it without a lawyer.
Before you consider drinking and driving, you want to look at the penalties you are likely to incur. In many states being convicted of a DUI can cost you your job, especially if you drive for a living. Even if your job doesn’t entail driving, you may be denied a position because of a DUI conviction. If you have an accident, there is a possibility you will face criminal charges. Each state is different, so how the state where you live deals with a DUI conviction may be different than other states. In some states being convicted of a DUI is an automatic revocation of your driver’s license for a minimum of six months for the first offense.
In addition to an increase in insurance rates, you may also be faced with very high fees in order to get your license back. There will also be fines you will have to pay and possibly a program of classes you will need to attend before you can even consider getting your license back. If you drive for a living, you may be able to obtain a work license but this is very restrictive and will be based on your behavior and the severity of the offense. First time offenders are more likely to be recipients of work licenses than those who are repeat offenders – http://www.driverlawfirm.com/practiceareas/dwi.html
Another thing to remember is if you think you can get out of a drunk driving conviction by refusing to take a breathalyzer test, you are wrong. In fact if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test, you stand the chance of having your license automatically suspended on the spot for six months or longer. The rule of thumb is if you had nothing to hide you would not have a problem taking a test to prove it.
Contact the Driver Law Firm today if you’ve been arrested on charges for DWI. Serving clients in Raleigh, North Carolina and surrounding cities.
